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In a significant turn of events, former President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran has decided not to carry out the execution of eight women who were involved in anti-regime protests. This decision came after Trump made a public appeal for their release just the previous day.
“Great news! I’ve just received confirmation that the eight female protestors, who were slated for execution tonight in Iran, will not face this fate,” Trump shared in a post on Truth Social, expressing his relief and satisfaction with the outcome.
Reports indicate that four of the women are set to be released immediately, while the other four will remain in custody but will only serve a one-month prison sentence. This development marks a significant shift in the situation for these women, who were facing severe consequences for their involvement in the protests.
Trump expressed his gratitude towards Iran for reconsidering their decision, stating, “I am very appreciative that Iran, along with its leaders, honored my request.” His intervention seems to have played a crucial role in altering the course of events.
This announcement was made amidst Trump’s ongoing engagements, as seen when he addressed the media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., back in April 2026. The image of this moment, captured by Anna Moneymaker for Getty Images, underscores the continued influence and presence of Trump on the international stage.
Trump previously said on social media Tuesday that releasing the women could work in Iran’s favor during negotiations scheduled later that day, when he ultimately announced an extension of a two-week ceasefire.
“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” Trump said Tuesday, responding to an activist’s post on X that included photos of eight unidentified women.
“I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!”
Iran’s judiciary, however, quickly responded to Trump’s claims, denying that the women ever faced execution, according to Middle East-focused media outlet New Arab.Â
“Trump was misled once again by fake news,” the judiciary’s official Mizan Online website said. “The women who were claimed to be on the verge of execution, some of them have been released, while others face charges that, if convictions are upheld, would at most result in imprisonment.”
Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC/AP)
According to human rights groups, Iran reportedly last week scheduled the execution of a female protester linked to the January uprising, marking Tehran’s first publicly reported death penalty case involving a woman.Â
She was identified as Bita Hemmati and is among the eight women Trump said will no longer face capital punishment.Â
Hemmati was originally sentenced in a collective case alongside her husband and neighbors, the National Council of Resistance of Iran said.Â
On Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, the group allegedly threw objects such as concrete blocks and incendiary materials from rooftops, injured security forces and engaged in anti-regime “propaganda” in an effort to undermine security, according to federal authorities.Â
Demonstrators ignite a fire in the middle of the street during an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC/AP)
One Iranian journalist reported the identities of the other women in a post on X, claiming the defendants are as young as 16 years old.
One victim in particular, identified as Mahboubeh Shabani, 33, was accused of providing assistance to demonstrators injured during January’s uprising, according to the Norway-based Hengaw rights group.
The women’s rulings are among the latest in a series of punishments issued amid a broader government crackdown on dissent.
Rights groups say thousands of protesters may have been killed since demonstrations erupted earlier this year.Â